Defamation cases should not be used as political tool: SC in Jaylalitha's case.

With critics of the sedition law terming it as a ‘monarchy law’ and defamation seeked as a solution the problem, the Jaylalitha Government in Tamil Nadu has filed 131 defamation cases against the opposition and any other person criticising their policies.
Opposition plays an important role in the democracy and keeps pointing out the mistakes of the government along with making the citizens aware about the consequences. Filing defamation cases over the criticising opposition is a threat to democracy. It only happens in monarchy where the king punishes every individual who speaks against him. In a democracy, every individual has a right to criticise the government and suggest improvements without disturbing the national peace or provoking violent actions against the government. (Section 124A of IPC)
The Hon’ble Supreme Court asked the chief minister to stop ‘throttling’ democracy and start focusing on good governance. A public figure must always welcome criticism and be ready for it. Merely reporting on chief minister’s health could not amount to defamation. Defamation cases must not be used as a political tool as it is a misuse of state machinery. The court has condemned this action of the Tamil Nadu government in strong words.